Richard J. Lefor, 84, Dickinson, died Saturday, September 17, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Jerry Volk presiding.

Richard Joseph Lefor was born February 25, 1927 on a farm east of Lefor, the son of Mathias and Katherine (Martin) Lefor. He was raised and educated near Lefor where he also helped on the family farm.

Richard was united in marriage to Marian Kerner on September 19, 1950 at St. Phillips Catholic Church, Hirschville. Together they farmed, first on a farm in the Lefor area and then moving to their farm along the Knife River north of Gladstone. They remained on the farm until retirement, after which they moved into Dickinson in the early 2000’s. He continued to make frequent trips back and forth to the farm to “putter”.

They both enjoyed traveling, having made several trips together to Germany. Richard was a 4-H leader, was on the Farmers Union Board, and had become a Fourth Degree Knight. When the family was younger he had attended Veterinary school. He loved woodworking and family and friends had received many crafted items. Richard enjoyed playing cards, making homemade ropes and halters, reading farming magazines, and was rarely seen without a tooth pick. He looked forward to the calving season and especially tending to his cattle.

Richard is survived by his two children, Verna (Arland) Rasmussen, West Fargo, and Curtis R. (Sheila) Lefor, Dickinson; six grandchildren, Kristi (Jeremy) Engelstad, Robert (Cindy) Rasmussen, Katie (Daniel) Nill, Korene (Jason) Newton, Dean (Valerie) Lefor, and Keith Lefor; four great-grandchildren, Brody and Logan Engelstad, and Calissa and Alaina Newton; one sister, Caroline Rettig; one brother, Edwin (Delores) Lefor; and one sister-in-law, Mary Kerner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian on April 17, 2010, his parents, and brothers-in-law, Valentine Kerner and Gerald Rettig.